REMOTELY CONTROLLED RETRACTABLE INSERTION FLOWMETER

摘要

REMOTELY CONTROLLED RETRACTABLE INSERTION FLOWMETER An insertion flowmeter apparatus for measurement of the fluid flow in a pipeline, particularly an oil and gas pipe-line, utilizes a fluid-pressure actuated piston within a cylinder to insert and retract a stem having a turbine meter at the end laterally through the side wall of the pipeline. The retractable insertion flowmeter apparatus disclosed includes an hydraulic cylinder having a mounting flange on a first end for attachment to a flanged riser extending out of the wall of the pipeline, with an end plate provided on the second end of the cylinder. Both the mounting flange and the end plate have ports that communicate with the interior of the cylinder. A piston is disposed in the hydraulic cylinder for longitudinal movement therein in response to the introduction through the ports of pressurized fluid. The stem that carries the turbine meter extends longitudinally through the hydraulic cylinder and is secured to the piston. First and second guide pins are secured to the upper end of the stem by a yoke and extend parallel to the stem. The end plate at the second end of the hydraulic cylinder is provided with a flange having guide openings therein through which the guide pins pass. The apparatus is operable in response to control signals in the form of a pressurized fluid to translate the stem to either insert the turbine meter to the proper location within the pipeline or to retract the turbine meter from the pipeline into the riser.